Product Description

Gain a solid understanding of the historical background, literary aspects, and theological message of the Old Testament. In this accessible abridgment of his best-selling Introduction to the Old Testament, Longman highlights key research discoveries, probes the meaning of each book in its cultural setting, and offers end-of-chapter questions for group discussion and personal reflection. 160 pages, softcover from Zondervan.

Publisher's Description

An abridged edition of the bestselling book An Introduction to the Old Testament, this rich guide makes Old Testament scholarship accessible to the average reader. Renowned Bible scholar Tremper Longman III gathers the best in historical research and literary analysis to lead the reader through each book of the Old Testament. Most significantly, Longman explores the meaning of each book in light of its cultural setting. Abbreviated chapters highlight key research discoveries, ensuring that the information is both significant and manageable. Including questions at the end of each chapter for group discussion or personal reflection, Introducing the Old Testament makes the words, history, and culture of biblical times come alive for readers. Laypersons as well as church leaders will take away a solid understanding of the historical background and theological message of the Old Testament and be inspired to apply biblical truths to their lives.

Author Bio

Tremper Longman III (PhD, Yale University) is the Robert H. Gundry Professor of Biblical Studies and the chair of the Religious Studies department at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California, where he lives with his wife, Alice. He is the Old Testament editor for the revised Expositor's Bible Commentary and general editor for the Story of God Bible Commentary Old Testament and has authored many articles and books on the Psalms and other Old Testament books.

Introducing the Old Testament is a great guide for what it says introducing the Old Testament :-) This book is for the reader who desires to understand a synopsis of the books, authorship/date of the books, Genre/style of the books, and Connections to the New Testament. Oh and Mr. Longman dwells into some theological history too.

First off I am not a Bible Scholar, I simply am a person who desires to draw closer to God on a daily basis. This being said a Pastor friend of mine told me and I quote " Tremper is wicked smart". I have to agree with him, the book is extensive without being overwhelming. It was perfect for me because it didn't use language that was above me, but talking to several Pastor's they wanted to read this book too. It's the perfect combination of knowledge and wisdom. Sometimes an author can be full of knowledge, but lack the wisdom to use it appropriately, this is not the truth for Mr. Longman. So dear readers if you read your Bible (which you should every day :) this would be a great add to your library.

*This book was given to me via netgalley for my honest opinion and I honestly gave it.